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Fermilab Begins Testing Holographic Universe Theory

Posted by Unknown on from the warp-life-0.1 dept.

Back in 2009, researchers theorized that space could be a hologram. Four years ago, Fermilab proposed testing the theory, and the experiment is finally going online. Jason Koebler writes Operating with cutting-edge technology out of a trailer in rural Illinois, government researchers started today on a set of experiments that they say will help them determine whether or not you and me and everything that exists are living in a two-dimensional holographic universe. In a paper explaining the theory, Craig Hogan, director of the Department of Energy's Fermilab Center for Particle Astrophysics writes that "some properties of space and time that seem fundamental, including localization [where things are], may actually emerge only as a macroscopic approximation from the flow of information in a quantum system." In other words, the location of places in space may constantly fluctuate ever so slightly, which would suggest we're living in a hologram.

10 of 247 comments (clear)

  1. Flip the switch by rfengr · · Score: 5, Funny

    The instant we realize it's all an experiment or simulation, the flip will be switched off.

    1. Re:Flip the switch by binarylarry · · Score: 4, Funny

      It'd be funny if a bearded man in white robes showed up in the sky and said "Wait! Before you turn if off I want to take a picture of Norway for posterity!"

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    2. Re:Flip the switch by CanHasDIY · · Score: 5, Funny

      It'd be funny if a bearded man in white robes showed up in the sky and said "Wait! Before you turn if off I want to take a picture of Norway for posterity!"

      "Pity. That was one of mine. Won an award, you know. Lovely crinkly edges."

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      An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
    3. Re:Flip the switch by SpectreBlofeld · · Score: 4, Funny

      You'd only be able to verify if the Universe we live in were a simulation, if you could witness/observe something _outside_ of that Universe / simulation.

      Not necessarily. If I wanted to find out if I were living in a computer simulation, I would start looking for an exploit. Hack the universe!

    4. Re:Flip the switch by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      "There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

      There is another theory, which states that this has already happened."

      This is from the radio show which is what first came to mind when I saw this article.

  2. Let me try... by jd2112 · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Computer, End program."

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    Any insufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology.
  3. Re:What next by SternisheFan · · Score: 4, Funny

    Ok, so let's say experiment confirms that we live in holographic universe. And then what?

    Apple will instantly begin legal proceedings against God for copyright infringement.

  4. This just in.... by mitcheli · · Score: 5, Funny

    Scientists in a trailer in rural Illinois have just discovered that the world is indeed flat. Thus bringing an end to the several hundred year old scientific debate.

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  5. Hitch hikers guide .... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable.

    There is another theory, which states that this has already happened.

  6. This is what happens by RevWaldo · · Score: 3, Funny

    This is what happens when physicists come up with ideas when they're high, and remember to write them down before coming down.

    .

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